1999 Saturn SL Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,701miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Saturn SL, 4% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,701 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The lock on the steering column is too loose to be turned effectively only someone who has driven the car for a while knows how to get the key to turn so that the car can be started.”
NHTSA complaint #10626736, filed 2014-08, 112,000 miles“While driving at 60-65 MPH steering wheel will start to shake. Contacted dealer, and the dealer could not find problem after nine attempts. Consumer states rough idle when warm. Dealer replaced PCM/ECM, but problem still exist. Power steering fluid low. Experiencing shimmy when braking. Noise from gas tank when coming to a stop.”
NHTSA complaint #8005064, filed 2002-03“While driving steering wheel started to get harder and harder to turn. Took vehicle to dealer, and steering hydroboost unit was replaced. 2 months later,steering hydroboost unit broke again. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8013005, filed 2002-07“While driving at normal speed was hearing power steering 'whining'. While turning the wheel to right it did not respond, nor did it turn to the left. Dealer notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10042848, filed 2003-10“Consumer states that while driving and no warning there is a loud noise coming from the steering wheel causing a distraction to the consumer. Dealer notified”
NHTSA complaint #10018146, filed 2003-05Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 8 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 7% |
| 1999 | 7 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 2% |
| 1997 | 10 | 4% |
| 1996 | 20 | 7% |
| 1995 | 37 | 10% |
| 1994 | 11 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 5 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1999 Saturn SL
45 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsTires
12 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Saturn SL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology